She Tui (Pi) (Long Yi)蛇蜕

Periostracum SerpentisSnake Skin Slough

Also known asElephe

Usual doses

Dispels Wind and stops spasms: Skin lesions due to Wind and for other Wind patterns such as childhood convulsions, epilepsy and seizures
Removes superficial visual obstruction: Pterygium or disorders of the cornea such as nebulae
Resolves toxins: Sore throat, oral ulcerations, carbuncles, hemorrhoids and scabies

Contraindicated in pregnancy.

It is frequently used on its own to treat skin lesions, Wind-related seizures and convulsions, and eye disorders.
It is used for transverse fetal presentation at childbirth.
It treats stubborn diseases in adults and improves eyesight.
It has been shown to inhibit cancer cell growth.
Burnt, it heals a variety of malignant sores and kills parasites.
It is said to expel pathogenic Wind.
Ground and taken orally, it is said to treat mammary abscess, acute pharyngitis in adults, and — in infants — phlyctenular keratitis with a rigid tongue, sublingual swelling, and a swollen palate.
For unbearable earache with bleeding, it is charred, ground to a powder, and blown into the ear with a feather.
For persistent malignant boils, one slough is charred, mixed with lard, and applied to the site, while a second slough is charred and taken with wine.
For hard, non-suppurating masses, it is made into a paste and applied nightly.
For carbuncles, furuncles, and boils, it is decocted in 160ml of water and either drunk or applied to the site.
For pyogenic navel sores, it is calcined, ground, and mixed with egg white for topical use.
Wine-prepared as Jiu She Tui, it tastes better and dispels Wind more effectively, treating childhood convulsions, itchy skin, and superficial visual obstruction.